When Albert Einstein was asked what the best source of invention was he replied 'mistakes' (as heard on Terry O'Reilly's Age of Persuasion). The only time we don't make mistakes is when we're sleeping (found on an IKEA postcard). Why then do we deny mistakes? Cover them up? Hide from them? Are … [Read more...] about Fail forward
Head down – it's in the details
This is the view from the Athlete's village in the Welcoming Ceremony area .... when you look down. As a 2010 Vancouver Olympic volunteer I've learned a lot about details, alot about looking down. I thought I was a detail person to start with. I had nothing on the Olympics. Names on athlete's … [Read more...] about Head down – it's in the details
Leaving behind Tim Hortons at the Olympics
This is the view that greets me most mornings as I start my volunteer shift as a NOC assistant for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Tim Hortons on the sidelines. Cups of caffeine left behind, lined up along the garbage can, as we weave our way through security into the athlete's village. No liquids … [Read more...] about Leaving behind Tim Hortons at the Olympics
Best case scenario
"Your mind will automatically go to the worst case scenario. So practice the best case scenario." Wise words from my massage therapist. I love when my attention is caught and held by something that shakes up my preconceptions. That highlights patterns of thinking that I wasn't aware of. When my … [Read more...] about Best case scenario
A sneak peak of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies
I was lucky enough to take part in the dress rehearsal of the 21st Vancouver Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The same ceremonies that will be viewed by some 3 billion (with a b) eyeballs later today. I spent most of the time with tears coursing down my face. If you were there and if you … [Read more...] about A sneak peak of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies
A sneak peak of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies
I was lucky enough to take part in the dress rehearsal of the 21st Vancouver Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The same ceremonies that will be viewed by some 3 billion (with a b) eyeballs later today. I spent most of the time with tears coursing down my face. If you were there and if you … [Read more...] about A sneak peak of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies
Operation secret (Vancouver) Valentine
In response to Kelly Diel's Operation Secret Valentine, here's my not so secret Valentine. As the world turns its gaze upon Vancouver to feast on the 21st Winter Olympics, and as the season for pink cupcakes draws near, I thought I'd share my love affair with my home town Vancouver. From the … [Read more...] about Operation secret (Vancouver) Valentine
Start small & think big; creme brulee over soya sauce
A taste of two worlds. And a time honoured lesson. I was trying to put soya sauce on my sushi the other day and having a devil of a time. The little package of soya sauce didn't have a small pre-cut in it designed to make it easy to open. While yesterday my taste buds were watering in … [Read more...] about Start small & think big; creme brulee over soya sauce
Myles Horton & the Olympic Flame
Myles Horton was a famous adult educator in the Appalachian mountains. He rode the rails with the hobos and learned valuable lessons from them, lessons that I'm applying during my volunteer work at the 2010 Olympics. Fire was valuable to the vulnerable men who hitched a ride by train. Fire kept … [Read more...] about Myles Horton & the Olympic Flame
